Obtaining a reservation at New York City’s most sought-after restaurants has become increasingly difficult, reaching new levels of competitiveness in the past three years. For many food enthusiasts, securing a spot at the trendiest dining locations feels almost impossible.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the bookings platform Sevenrooms, noted in a recent Bloomberg interview, “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into.” He mentioned that even restaurateurs themselves do not have effective tips for gaining access to their tables.
The situation became so challenging that last month, New York state lawmakers voted to prohibit third-party booking websites such as Appointment Trader, where individuals were reselling reservation slots for as much as $200, a practice more commonly associated with concerts and sports events.
Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the new legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector, stating that it would decrease reservation competition and shield restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite the new regulations, the demand for unique and upscale experiences continues to outpace their availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India, who has been in the concierge and travel planning industry for 16 years, pointed out, “Post-COVID, everything is booked up, right? Every plane is full, every restaurant is full, every hotel is full.”
India, who has catered to ultra-wealthy clients including George W. Bush and Mariah Carey, said that successful access to popular dining spots hinges on understanding customer preferences and developing relationships with the restaurants that can accommodate those needs.
She observed a shift in customer desires, stating, “People have really moved away from fine dining; we rarely have a client that wants to sit through a tasting menu.” According to her, recent dining trends have leaned towards popular eateries where the experience is less about the food and more about the social status of being able to dine there.
For those determined to secure a spot at New York’s hardest-to-get restaurant tables, India provides insights into the current dining landscape.